Photographer's Note

Sadhus in Hinduism are wandering holy men revered for being good that traverse not just in Nepal and India but further afield. Many sadhus are also Yogis who are practitioners of meditation who have given up family, home, material possessions and sometimes clothing to seek enlightenment. Many live in basic dwellings such as in caves, forests or Hindu temples live on the support of the people they encounter.Though the purists say otherwise in my experience they do accept donations for food or clothing, such a life of hardship means not many follow the path of a true sadhu.

There are many fake sadhus nowadays who come out only on such occasions as religious festivals to cash in on the generosity of others or simply to make money by other means. Sadhus in Nepal are also well-known for smoking hashish to help gain a high level of meditation. Sadhus usually wear ochre colored clothing, symbolizing renunciation and their faces are layered with traditional paint. Some dress as Shiva, one of the Hindu gods, complete with trident walking stick.

As for this picture, I am not sure whether he is a genuine or fake sadhu. But I can promise that he is in Nepal when I made this closed up shot at Durbar Square in Patan. Your guess is as good as mine.

Superb close crop Abmdsudi - Every pore, every hair and even the flaking make-up is wonderfully sharp. And those deep dark eyes seem hypnotic. TFs and for your interesting and informative note. Warm regards rosemary

Ciao Abmdsudi,
beautiful close-up with so clear details, i like the lateral light and the natural tone of the skin...i like so much also your note, i spend in India most of my life...so i know very well the mentality of the most of sadu, many of them become sadu to escape the prison of caste, I've heard countless stories of people robbed after drinking a chai offered by a sadu and was made ​​from datura, or women seduced, or countless other stories...so who know...
warm regards,
Valter

An incredible portrait,one of the most original never seen on TE.I'm not a fan of this kind of pic,but this is really extraordinary,what a face and what a quality of details and colors,great work! Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

Hello Abmdsudi,
This is close! Although the eyes are supposed to mirror the person's soul I can't tell whether this sadhu is real or fake. But as far as the photo goes the colours and sharpness and intensity of his gaze are much more important.
A very stunning photo.
Kind regards,
Gert

Hello Abmdsudi,
incredible close-up portrait!Very expressive and deep.His facial expression,eyes and his skin-marked by the sign of the times-really makes impression.I like your interesting note about Sadhus and what they mean for India´s culture and life.Remarkable shot!
Best regards
Krzysztof

Hello Abmdsudi,
the way you've framed this close up portrait has given it so much intensity. The textured face, the thick moustache and the forehead decoration are strilikgly sharp and compose a stunning image with a graphic quality too. The intensity of the fixed glance is fascinating but the sadhu's mirror-like eyes are not windows to the soul. They remain mysterious or otherwise we can project our own interpretations and thoughts on them. Superb work, congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a lovely day,
Ourania

Hello Abmbsudi
An interesting text.
Everywhere in the world there are people who are giving up materialism, but not all of the same reasons.
Do not get into controversy, indeed there are people acting under false pretense for what they are not.
Here I am, for example, pretend that I am a great photographer. :)
Excellent clarity of every pore of your face and gorgeous colors, decorate your work.
All the best.
Saa

I like your note in line with what I experimented in Durban square, but at that time I was not doing such strong close-up portrait full of details.
Just before I commented a sadhu portrait made by Inasiajones. Interesting to see how each photographer is making different shots from same subject.

Hi Abmdsudi
Wonderful portrait image, the close crop works perfectly well for your subject. If I were to guess, I would think this man is genuine as there is a very intense look in his eyes that I imagine is hard to fake. Beautiful street photography, and another fascinating note, thanks as always.
Noel

Wow! So powerful of a portrait! I hope this gentleman is not as mean as he look. Nicely captured with good lighting and dof with sharp details. Love the reflections from his eyes. Wonderful colors. Well done, tfs.

hello Abmdsudi,
great the tight frame with the eyes of this native man with its strongly characteristic of his face, to are well seen and captured.
I like the details as the excellent light and colour management of the portrait.

A picture with a lots of details.
In the middle the picture is sharp as a knife
and the border is nice soft and that gives
a nice depth in the picture (but makes also
the picture nice calmness).
Composition and light management are as always
excelent.

Hello Abmdsudi,
You are posting a great detail of this old man face.
The close crop, good lighting and rich dark colors give this portrait a wonderful feel. The light in the eyes is magical and the skin details are perfect. Really top class work with exquisite detailing where it counts. Have a great weekend.

Wow. I don't know whether this guy is a real or fake saddhu either, but your photo is 100% in-your-face fantastic. You are so brave to get this close to anyone. This guy is absolutely amazing, looking right down the barrell of your lens like that. I love this type of close up. The colours, the lights in the eyes and the definition are amazing, and of course the tight crop of the main part of the face. Congratulations, this is a photo I'd love to have in my gallery and you've inspired to be a bit more brave when it comes to photographing people.

Hi Abmdsudi,
this one is an absolutely striking portrait, because of the great sharpness of the image and of the excellent close-up, which shows us all the details of the face of this holy man, as his wrinkles, his moustache and his beard, his penetrating eyes and the painting on his forehead.
The light and the colors are astonishing.
A great work, my friend.
Best regards,
Josep